We asked the attendees of the Multifamily Brainstorming Sessions(tm) to complete the sentence “If only I knew then what I know now…,” and the wisdom and insight that they had to offer was simply amazing. Here is some of what they had to share!

(Editor’s Note: The entries below were transcribed directly from contributors’ handwritten notes. In the interest of best preserving the spirit and full intent of each message, only the most necessary changes have been made to the original content. Grammar and sentence construction have not been corrected. Please bear in mind that in this instance substance is far more important than form, and that nobody’s perfect!)

I wish I’d known the level of strategic planning it takes to market and monitor a Resident.
I wish I’d known that I would be in this business when I great up, so that I would have paid more attention to my grandparents when they managed apartments. I guess it’s in my blood.

I wish I’d known to never be afraid to state your ideas in a group of people - it could turn out to be a winner.

I wish I’d known the importance of networking with others in the industry sooner. Sharing ideas, thoughts, and problems with your peers results in better performance.

I wish I’d known how to follow-up on my assignments to others. I found out that we often have others control whether we succeed or not. If we think that others will complete this assignment in a timely basis.

I wish I’d known ways to be more comfortable in presenting myself and my property to as many different prospect personality types as I have subsequently worked with.

I wish I’d known to try to have fun along the way.

I wish I’d known the opportunities available in our industry. The growth and things you learn being in this business. It is truly incredible how big the property management industry is and the people you meet.
I wish I’d known that short 5-10 minute staff chats each morning stating weekly and daily goals would keep enthusiasm and motivation sparked in all staff members.

I wish I’d known the stress level of prospective residents when they walk in the door. As a Leasing Professional, stay aware of this and be considerate, polite, and sensitive while you go through your sales tour.

I wish I’d known how to deal with all the different behavior styles - by knowing you get a better understanding of how to treat others.

I wish I’d known that establishing yourself as a well respected and trustworthy professional should be viewed as your long time goals to achieve success. Maintaining a high level of integrity in this industry is an ongoing process. You should always base the decisions you make on how it will affect long term success.

I wish I’d known how exciting this business is because this would have been my first career choice.

I wish I’d known how difficult it was to get accepted as a marketing director by supervisors or property managers.

I wish I’d known that everything that happens in the course of a day does not require your immediate attention. Not everything is a crisis. Pace yourself and the amount of energy you spend on any given situation.

I wish I’d known to understand what the owner’s needs are and what goals are important to that owner. Property management requires operating the property in a consistent manner to which the ownership goals are.

I wish I’d known that every single day is full of “choices”. The most important choices that you have to make, or will make each day, revolve around being a positive person by making the choice at the start of every day to keep a smile on your face. You will generate that positive attitude from your fellow CO-workers and employees.

I wish I’d known that everything is negotiable! An asking price or list price is not necessarily the price to pay! Understand the product or service completely and have a grasp of the “market” value. Always do your homework prior to discussing the product or service and know how much demand it’s in. With your “homework” done, you’re sure to have the edge. Additionally, know how to read people to get the most out of what you’re trying to achieve.

Know what your product is inside and out. If you don’t feel comfortable with questions that might be asked, it gives you an overwhelming feeling and bad habits emerge to overcome your sense of being uncomfortable. Know all objections and learn to overcome them professionally!

I wish I’d known it’s okay to be different. New ideas are the lifeblood of our business. Your own unique personality is an asset to your company. Always shine! You never know whose attention you may gain. It can move you up the ladder of success. I know - it happened to me!

Tags: Apartment Employee Performance, Apartment Management, Apartment Training

This entry was posted on Friday, February 26th, 2010 at 10:33 pm and is filed under Personal Development. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.